PetroChem Wire: Recycled polystyrene pellet prices drift lower in May

PetroChem Wire: Recycled polystyrene pellet prices drift lower in May

HIPS and GPPS pellet prices dropped a penny per pound in the first two weeks of May, as on-spec and off- spec prime PS continued to compete for market share with recycled material.

Recycled HIPS mixed color pellet was offered in first-half May at 70 cents per pound, but attracted no buying interest at that level. GPPS natural flake was offered at 45 cents per pound, little changed from the level of late-April. Off-grade polystyrene was reported offered in early April at 89-91 cents per pound, FOB, down 1-2 cents from April.

Prime polystyrene producers' stocks were low in early May due to high sales in April and delayed monomer shipments for some, the result of high watershed levels on the Mississippi. Producers' efforts to raise prime PS prices 2-4 cents per pound in May met stiff buyer resistance. Generic prime HIPS injection was offered at just over $1.00 delivered in early May.

For more information about PetroChem Wire's Repro/Regrind Resin Report and daily prime grade polymers and monomers report, or to arrange a free trial subscription, contact Cindy Bryan at cindy@petrochemwire.com[1] or (713) 385-1407. To see sample issues of PCW publications, click here[2].